Hobbies And Interests
Discovery
The gem was discovered around 1770 in Labrador. It was later found in Finland in the 1940s. At this time, labradorite was named spectrolite and was added to the gem market. The most valuable labradorite comes from Finland where it is always called spectrolite. The Finnish variety has vibrant aqua, yellow, deep blue, reddish orange, red and green colorations.
Family
Labradorite belongs to the feldspar family, which covers about one-half of Earth's crust.
Labradorescence
Labradorite exhibits a soft color throughout the surface called labradorescence. Though not visible when the gem is lying flat, you can see labradorescence when tilting labradorite to an angle. Light funneling though the gem's thin plates causes this effect.
Construction
The gem is sometimes used in construction as facing material. Large slabs that are low quality are usually used.
Pale Yellow
Some collectors look for a pale yellow tint to labradorite. Though this is rare, when it occurs, other colors don't occur in the gem. Pale yellow labradorite has no labradorescence.
Other Locations
Labradorite can be found not only in Canada and Finland, but also in India, Norway, Madagascar and Russia.
Myths
Myths state that labradorite brought out an individual's strengths and originality and helped people sleep. Practitioners of New Age beliefs claim that the gem helps psychic powers and also increases a person's willpower.
Designations
The gem is designated as a birthstone, astral stone and an anniversary stone. The "gem of the winter" is fragile and must be handled gently. Use a soft polishing cloth and water, or a soap and water combination, to clean the gem.